Fantasy football: The top tight ends

THE PATRIOTS added another capable tight end, giving them their best duo since the Aaron Hernandez days. But there's some depth to the position beyond Rob Gronkowski and new teammate Martellus Bennett. From Jordan Reed to Julius Thomas and maybe even Antonio Gates, there is value to be had in the middle rounds.

Gary Barnidge, Browns: Had a strong first-half of the season, but settled down with just three TDs and no 100-yard games in the second half. Low-end TE1.

Martellus Bennett, Patriots: Had 16 touchdowns from 2012-14, so he does have value as a handcuff for Rob Gronkowski. Would feel better about Bennett as a possible starter, if not for Tom Brady's suspension.

Jared Cook, Packers: Went from Rams quarterbacks Nick Foles and Case Keenum last season to Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers this year. Best move up since George and Weezy Jefferson.

Tyler Eifert, Bengals: Has an ankle injury that will cause him to possibly miss four games. Had 13 TDs in 13 games last season.

Zach Ertz, Eagles: In a statistical oddity, Ertz's receptions total has gone up in each of his first three seasons while his touchdowns have gone down. Let someone else reach for him because he's an Eagle. Otherwise, hang tight until the ninth round or so.

Coby Fleener, Saints: Had only three TDs last year as the entire Colts' offense had a flat tire. A move to New Orleans should be beneficial given how well Drew Brees generally feeds his TEs.

Antonio Gates, Chargers: With LaDarius Green no longer in the picture, Gates has a decent shot to get the eight touchdowns he needs to break Tony Gonzalez's record of 111 career TDs by a tight end.

Jimmy Graham, Seahawks: Still dealing with the effects of his ruptured right patellar tendon suffered last November. Status for Week 1 is uncertain. Nothing more than a draft and stash candidate at this point.

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots: One interesting thing to watch the first month is how Gronkowski fares while quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo fills in for Tom Brady for the first four games. Gronk has averaged five catches, 77 yards and a shade less than a TD per game over the last two years.

Jesse James, Steelers: Will be the starter now that LaDarius Green (ankle, head) has landed on the PUP list. Any tight end in that offense is worth considering, even one who had all of eight receptions last year like James.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs: Averaged 70 catches for 850-plus yards and five TDs over his first two seasons.

Greg Olsen, Panthers: Olsen is listed at 6-5, 255. Wide receivers Kelvin Benjamin is 6-5, 245 and Devin Funchess is 6-4, 225. Quarterback Cam Newton is 6-5, 245. That's not a football roster. It's a Buick dealership.

Jordan Reed, Redskins: When healthy, Reed is in conversation for top three TEs. Plays against the Eagles in Week 14 when most fantasy playoffs open. Reed had a monster 9-129-2 in Week 15 against the Birds last year.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Buccaneers: Has the size (6-5, 262) to be a functioning fantasy factor, but at this point he's just a late-round flier at best. If he keeps yelling at his coach, like he did in Wednesday's preseason finale, backup Cameron Brate will hit the fantasy radar.

Julius Thomas, Jaguars: Whoda thought two years after moving from Denver that Jacksonville's quarterback situation would be more stable than the Broncos'?

Delanie Walker, Titans: Figures to be THE guy again after posting career bests of 94 catches and 1,088 yards. Tennessee's most significant skill-position additions were running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry.

Ben Watson, Ravens: Tore his Achilles' in an Aug. 27 preseason win over the Lions and is out for the season. Crockett Gillmore, who had four TDs in 10 games last year, steps in.

Jason Witten, Cowboys: Not much more than a bye-week replacement, especially with a rookie quarterback. Witten had just three touchdowns last season.

Player, team, bye week

1. Rob Gronkowski, NE 9

2. Jordan Reed, Was. 9

3. Greg Olsen, Car. 7

4. Julius Thomas, Jac. 5

5. Antonio Gates, SD 11

6. Travis Kelce, KC 5

7. Delanie Walker, Ten. 13

8. Gary Barnidge, Cle. 13

9. Coby Fleener, NO 5

10. Zach Ertz, Eagles 4

11. Jared Cook, GB 4

12. Jimmy Graham, Sea. 5

13. Martellus Bennett, NE 9

14. Tyler Eifert, Cin. 9

15. Clive Walford, Oak. 10

16. Jesse James, Pit. 8

17. Dwayne Allen, Ind. 10

18. Eric Ebron, Det. 10

19. Virgil Green, Den. 11

20. Zach Miller, Chi. 9

QUICK-HITTERS

On the way up: Julius Thomas, Jaguars

On the way down: Jordan Cameron, Dolphins

Best rookie: None worth drafting

Late-round look: Jesse James, Steelers

Key suspension: None

Three sleepers:

Jared Cook, Packers

Clive Walford, Raiders

Virgil Green, Broncos

@EdBarkowitz